Brandon Aiyuk appears to have missed his chance with Commanders

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Will the Washington Commanders sign a veteran wide receiver before training camp begins on July 29?

Washington's need for a wide receiver has dominated the offseason. The Commanders made a play for Alec Pierce in free agency before he chose to remain with the Indianapolis Colts. They also negotiated with Romeo Doubs, who signed with the New England Patriots. The Commanders eventually added veteran Van Jefferson and brought back Dyami Brown, who spent his first four seasons in Washington.

Additionally, the Commanders re-signed former Tennessee first-round pick Treylon Burks to a one-year deal and spent a third-round pick on wide receiver Antonio Williams in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the returns of Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, Washington at least has more depth than it did one year ago.

Still, many believe the Commanders need one more starting-level receiver. Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs are the two names often linked to Washington. Aiyuk's relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels led many to assume that he'd eventually sign with the Commanders once the San Francisco 49ers released him.

Aiyuk remains under contract to the 49ers. He's also posted several videos on YouTube and Instagram, taking aim at San Francisco, specifically GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. Most recently, Aiyuk posted a video in which he even criticized Daniels — his good friend.

That's led many to write off Aiyuk as a possibility for Washington. Of course, Aiyuk must still apply for reinstatement and then show up for training camp to force the 49ers to make a move. Those are two things he said he's not interested in doing.

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler offered an update on Diggs Monday. He mentioned that the Commanders did check in on Diggs, but he believed they were looking for more of a "speed option at this point."

After discussing Diggs as an option for Washington, Fowler dropped the following nugget about Aiyuk and the Commanders.

"I don't think it's going to be Brandon Aiyuk at this stage," he said.

"I think that there's value in Stefon Diggs. ... A veteran receiver in some role, a team that's good with a quarterback that can handle him."@tthasselbeck and @JFowlerESPN weigh in on Stefon Diggs finding the best fit during free agency pic.twitter.com/aR0w1rapaJ

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 13, 2026

Does that mean Washington wouldn't be interested if Aiyuk is granted his release from San Francisco? Well, it's complicated. Until he's free, it's difficult to assume. Aiyuk's social media antics haven't helped his cause, and it's possible the Commanders don't want that distraction for Daniels as he enters a critical third NFL season.

From the sounds of it, Washington doesn't even believe Aiyuk will be free. He's been on record as saying he won't work with the 49ers; therefore, they can keep him on the reserve/left squad list and not pay him a dime.

While most have presumed in recent weeks that Aiyuk missed his chance to be with Washington, at least in 2026, Fowler all but confirmed it. It's interesting that throughout this offseason, the Commanders did not shut down any talk of their potential interest in Aiyuk. It sounds like they have now.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Brandon Aiyuk appears to have missed his chance with Commanders

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